December 13, 2013, SANTA FE – New Mexico School for the Arts (NMSA) is very proud to announce that the Public Education Commission formally approved renewal of the school’s original charter for a period of five years.
The Charter School Division team, in its report after touring NMSA and meeting with staff, students, and parents, noted that, “. . . all groups seemed to speak with one voice in regard to the strengths and challenges of the school . . . the school is strong in both academics and the arts. Students learn discipline in the arts and as a result find they are disciplined in academic studies. Expectations are clear. The school is open and receptive to new ideas. Communication is excellent. The school constantly evaluates itself and adjusts to make the experience more meaningful for all involved.”
For NMSA Principal Cindy Montoya, “This PEC report, and the renewal of the NMSA Charter, validates the educational strategies that we have tried so hard to implement here and that are helping to move our students forward artistically and academically.”
Riis Gonzales, Director of the school’s nonprofit partner, the NSMA-Art Institute, said, “I am delighted that NMSA, through renewal of its Charter, can continue to provide access to mastery arts training and preparation, and pursue the ongoing aim of this unique public-private partnership of excellence both artistically and academically.”
NMSA is the only arts-focused, residential public high school in New Mexico serving youth 14-18, regardless of community location, family income, or previous academic standing, in the areas of Music, Dance, Theater, and Visual Arts. NMSA was established in 2008 and opened its doors in August 2010. Since then, it has achieved a 96% graduation rate, and its SBA proficiency percentages for math and reading have consistently exceeded statewide benchmarks – its 2013 graduating class received more than $3 million in scholarships and financial assistance from post-secondary institutions.
The renewal of its original charter represents a true “coming of age” for New Mexico School for the Arts.